here<\/a>. Just enter the Interpretation number in the appropriate column.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, the extension of validity can be done by engaging in either <\/em>of them. This finds confirmation in the interpretation IX-01-21 (qs 3).<\/p>\n\n\n\nFiller Metals Not Having a F-number?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCan Filler Metals Having a F-number Only be Used to Qualify a Welder?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOften, welding engineers make the mistake of thinking that when a component is fabricated in accordance with an ASME construction code, only the filler metals classified under ASME Section II Part C can be used for fabrication. It is not so. To my knowledge, filler metals conforming to any other national or international standards can also be used, as long as Section IX is complied with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, filler metals not having a F-number can also be used. This goes for performance qualifications as well. That is, the welding performance qualifications can be done using filler metals not classified under any of the SGA specifications also. This finds confirmation in interpretation IX-83-57 as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When such a filler is used, change of trade name becomes an important consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Change of Trade Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This question is often asked. A welder got qualified by using a consumable of a certain trade name, and also classified under a certain SFA specification and classification. In production welding, the welder would like to use consumable of a different trade name (but of same SFA specification and classification). Does this require requalification of welder?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The answer to this lies in QW-404.15. For the consumables that are qualified under a SFA specification, only the F-number needs to be reckoned. A change from one F-number to another requires requalification of welder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, for such consumables that are classified under a SFA specification, a change of trade name does not require requalification of the welder\/ welding operator. This finds confirmation in the interpretation IX-01-21 (qs 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For consumables that are not classified under a SFA specification (and are identified through only the trade name, or identified through classification under a different national or international standard), such consumables are to be reckoned as ‘any other filler metal’ mentioned under QW-404.15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For such consumables, change of trade name will require requalification of the welder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Essential Variables<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIs A-number an essential variable for welder qualifications?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNo. A-number does not appear as a variable under any of the tables under QW-350. This means that A-number is to be completely disregarded while qualifying a welder. During production welding too, when determining a welder’s eligibility to make a particular weld, A-number is not to be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This matter finds a mention in Interpretations IX-78-17, IX-79-55, IX-80-12, and IX-79-52.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can a Welder Qualified on One Groove Angle Weld on Another?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYes, he can. This is because groove angle is not an essential variable for welder qualifications. This also finds affirmation in interpretation IX-86-89.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does Qualification as a Welder Qualify a Person as a Welding Operator Too?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No. Absolutely not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The essential variables for welders and welding operators are defined separately, under QW-350 and QW-360 respectively. The tests required for both are defined under QW-304 and QW-305 respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: A person engaged in manual or semi-automatic welding is called a welder, whereas a person engaged in automatic or machine welding is called a welding operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A person qualified as a welder is not allowed to engage in automatic or machine welding, even if it is nominally the same welding process <\/em>(say GTAW), and vice-versa. The interpretation IX-86-68, IX-95-39 (qs 1), & IX-95-36 (qs 1) are instructive in this regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNote: However, a welder qualified with manual welding in a process can weld with semi-automatic welding too, with that process. [IX-95-36 (qs 2)]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A person qualified with the essential variables given under a process under QW-350 or QW-360 is qualified to weld with that <\/em>process only. There is a slight leeway available in this regard, though. QW-361.1 (essential variables for automatic welding) lists that a change from automatic welding to machine welding is an essential variable. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, a similar listing (stating that a change from machine to automatic is an essential variable) does not appear under QW-361.2, which lists the essential variables for machine welding. This means that persons qualified for machine welding can engage in automatic welding too (within the same process though), but not vice-versa. This finds further confirmation in interpretation IX-17-42 as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n